The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has a three-part definition of disability. Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.

A physical impairment is defined by ADA as "any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic, and lymphatic, skin and endocrine."

Neither ADA nor the regulations that implement it lists all of the diseases, conditions, or mental health diagnosis covered, because it would be impossible to provide a comprehensive list, given the variety of possible impairments.

If a student had an IEP or 504 plan in high school, or has a disability that did not require these, or thinks they have a disability, they should contact ODS for more information on the services that they qualify for.